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Trek to Kilimanjaro to raise funds for cancer centre

AMMAN — After reaching the $1 million (around JD708,000) target for the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) expansion project, the Jordanian mission to scale Mount Kilimanjaro now aims at reaching JD1 million (around $1.4 million).

HH Princess Dina Mired, director general of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, noted that such fund-raising campaigns will enable KHCC to provide medical services for more patients.

“This initiative is a great example of what we can achieve collectively as individuals and groups to support the mission of the centre,” she said at a press conference to launch the mission on Tuesday.

It is part of the “From the lowest point to the highest point for cancer” initiative, led by Mostafa Salameh, the first Jordanian to climb the seven highest peaks in the world.

The team consists of 22 other members, including HH Prince Mired, Princess Dina and two photographers.

“We always encourage all initiatives that are concerned with maintaining a healthy lifestyle and that utilise sports for a good cause,” Salameh said.

The trek to climb the highest peak in Africa is scheduled to start on February 4, reaching the summit on February 9 or 10, according to Salameh.

Farah Yasin, a university student who is participating in the expedition, said she is doing it to honour the soul of her brother who was supposed to take part in the previous expedition to Everest.

“Osama passed away before he could take that trek, so I am participating in this mission to celebrate his memory,” she told The Jordan Times.

Farah played a role in spreading awareness among her peers about the mission by presenting the cause and selling the campaign’s bracelets.

Last year, 21 Jordanians embarked on a journey in late March from the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, to nearly the highest point on Earth — the Mount Everest Base Camp, returning to Jordan in April.

Individuals and groups can donate for the expansion project, which is expected to cost $186 million, even after the new expedition is completed by calling the KHCC at 06/5544960 or visiting www.cancerpledges.com.

Members of the Jordanian team that participated in the &ldquo;From the lowest point to the highest point for cancer&rdquo; initiative&rsquo;s trek to Mount Kilimanjaro returned to Jordan after successfully scaling the mountain, the King Hussein Cancer Foundation said on Saturday.

The Jordan Times

The Jordan Times is an independent English-language daily published by the Jordan Press Foundationsince October 26, 1975. The Jordan Press Foundation is a shareholding company listed on the Amman Stock Exchange.